The next-generation Honda Civic Type R has been snapped by our photographers on and the around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.

While the current-generation Civic Type R hatch was only unveiled in production form earlier this year at the Geneva motor show, the next-gen hot hatch has just been spotted undergoing testing and evaluation on the famed German race track.

Unlike recent Civic hatchbacks, which used repurposed underpinnings from the Jazz, the next-gen model is based on the same platform as the sedan.

Compared to the tenth-generation mass market Civic sedan, which was unveiled in mid-September, the new Type R boasts flared and vented front fenders, lower profile tyres, more aggressive front and rear fascias, and a revised aero kit, including an unmissable rear spoiler.

In addition to a high performance braking package, the next-gen Civic Type R is also equipped with three centrally mounted exhaust tips.

Under the skin, the new Type R will likely be powered by a version of 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the current car.

With that motor, the current-generation Type R boasts 231kW of power and 400Nm of torque to its name. Coupled exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, the so-far Europe-only Type R is capable of reeling off the 0-100km/h dash in 5.7 seconds and heading onwards to a top speed of 270km/h.

With the Honda Civic range being refreshed with unusual haste, as well as high demand in Europe for the recently revealed Type R, it's possible that Honda Australia will skip the current hot hatch, and wait instead for the next-generation vehicle seen here.